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If your business owes money to another company and their attempts to resolve the matter are ignored, the situation can rapidly escalate. In 2026, late payment will remain a significant pressure point for UK businesses, and unpaid debts can swiftly move from polite reminders to formal enforcement.
If communication breaks down, your business may be visited by a Debt Collector or a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO). Understanding the difference between the two is vital to knowing your rights and responsibilities. Below, we outline the key differences between debt collectors and HCEOs.
Debt Collectors: What to Expect in 2026
Who do they work for?
Debt collectors are either employed directly by the creditor (the business you owe) or are engaged by a licensed debt collection agency to recover the outstanding sum.
In most cases, debt collectors are used as an early-stage escalation before any legal action is taken.
Can a debt collector enter our premises and remove goods?
No. Debt collectors lack the legal powers held by High Court Enforcement Officers. Legally:
- They cannot force entry into your business premises.
- They cannot remove goods without your explicit permission.
- If you ask them to leave, they must go.
- They cannot seize assets or take control of goods.
In summary, debt collectors have minimal powers. Their role is to negotiate payment, gather information, and encourage engagement, not to enforce repayment.
High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs)
Who do they work for?
HCEOs (formerly known as sheriffs) act under the authority of the High Court and are appointed by the Ministry of Justice. They are not debt collectors; they are officers of the court with statutory enforcement powers.
When can a creditor use an HCEO?
A creditor can instruct an HCEO when:
- Your business has been issued with a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
- The debt amount exceeds £600.
- The debt is not regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (meaning most business-to-business debts qualify).
In 2025, many creditors are choosing to transfer CCJs to the High Court for enforcement, as HCEOs often recover debts more swiftly and effectively than county court bailiffs.
Can an HCEO enter your premises and remove goods?
Yes, within strict legal guidelines.
HCEOs have more authority than debt collectors:
- They may enter your business premises through an unlocked door or standard access point.
- They cannot force entry on their first visit.
- They can take control of goods and arrange for their removal and sale if you do not pay.
- If a peaceful entry has already been gained and a Controlled Goods Agreement is in place, forced re-entry may be allowed if the agreement is broken.
Their role is enforcement and ignoring them will only worsen the situation.
What can’t HCEOs take from my business?
Certain items are protected. HCEOs cannot take:
- Tools, equipment or vehicles essential for your business operations.
- Goods that are leased, rented or on hire purchase agreements.
- Items that do not belong to the business.
However, they can take non-essential goods and assets to satisfy the debt.
Expert Advice from My Debt Recovery
With late payments continuing to place considerable pressure on businesses in 2025, early communication is more critical than ever. If you are struggling to pay a creditor:
- Do not ignore correspondence.
- Engage early to discuss options.
- Many creditors are willing to consider payment plans if communication is open and honest.
By engaging with your creditor at the earliest opportunity, you can avoid escalation, prevent additional costs, and significantly reduce the risk of a HCEO entering your premises.
If your business is owed money or facing mounting pressure from overdue debts, we can help, contact us today to discover how we can help you regain control.